Out of the gorge into the desert to Poverty Flats and beyond!

Tuesday, November 3 (continued)

Before pulling out of the campground, we stop at the water pump to fill water jugs.

I’ve learned to take on water whenever I have the opportunity and the ambition. I take two jugs over to the pump and proceed to remove the hose. I don’t want to use the hose. I don’t know where it’s been.

Dang it! Someone left the hose so tight I can’t remove it. Well, I’m not going to fool with a wrench. I give up on the water and we head out.

Going through the southern end of Virgin River Gorge is a new experience for us.

It does not disappoint!

The Perfect Tow Vehicle with the Best Little Trailer behind clings to the highway in a race with the river through the gorge. Big trucks and low-slung cars are all in a hurry to Somewhere and zip by us.

We whip between immense, tan sandstone cliffs, so high I can’t see their tops out the windshield. The further we descend on curves through the gorge, the more the cliffs squeeze in on both sides, and then they disappear! Suddenly the gorge ejects us and we fly out onto a broad, flat expanse of desert for miles and miles all around.

What a fun ride!

The next part? Not so much.

Interstate 15 is a thoroughfare of thundering trucks and snowbirds. We pass the casinos of Mesquite, Nevada, traverse another 60 miles or so of desert, and turn onto Route 169. A pretty routine drive, except for one diversion.

Somewhere between the gorge and Mesquite . . .

A cute, little Burro fiberglass trailer passes us, giving a honk and a wave. There go some happy campers! I wonder if that’s the woman I met at Dome Rock a few years ago. We follow the Burro for several miles.

After turning onto Route 169, I stop and let the crew out for a potty break and a walk-around. I open up the BLT, make myself a PB & J, and grab the last slab of white meat left from the rotisserie chicken.

Inside the PTV, I eat my sandwich and dole out chicken pieces to Bridget and Reggie.

Thus fortified and with Bridget and Reggie settled into their beds, I pull out onto the two-lane road and we head toward Lake Mead and Las Vegas.

We zigzag through the little town of Overton.

On the south side of town, Route 169 finds its way to the top of a mesa. On both sides of the road RVs are scattered about . . . lots of RVs, many more than the next photo shows!

A small section of Snowbird Mesa, otherwise known as Poverty Flats.

People camp here for long periods during the winter at no charge.

It’s Bureau of Land Management public land. (To see more photos, do a search for Poverty Flats, Overton, NV.)

Although I’ve been happy to camp in areas like this in the past, I consider the brown, rocky ground with sparse vegetation, the high mesa prone to wind and the coming cold, and the somewhat communal environment . . . Nope, I’m not interested in this right now . . . .

We push on.

My plan is to take one of the roads that goes from Route 169 to Lake Mead — or what used to be Lake Mead before it shrank to Mead Pond — and boondock for a night or two, just for the heck of it.

We pass the entrance to Valley of Fire State Park.

A few more miles and I turn on the road going to Stewart Point.

A sign says there is a 15-day limit and further along another sign says No Camping.

Hmm . . . This is a puzzling contradiction. Does this mean no camping alongside the road or does this mean no camping at all at Stewart Point even though the other sign implies you can camp here for up to 15 days?

I hate ambiguity, especially when the nice, paved road in the above photo turns into sand and . . . .

We come to another sign.

No Camping – Meadow Restoration. Oh, now I get it! Here’s a thought for you, sign people: Switch this sign with the one a mile back. Thank you very much.

The road splits giving me enough room to make a several-point turn, being careful to avoid the deep sand, and we return to the main road.

Okay, enough with the creative camping. That little detour has the crew restless and I’m tired.

According to peeps at the visitor center, $10 a night for single site with a senior pass. They will start taking reservations and the reservable sites have a 14 day limit. It’s a shame, this will do nothing to raise revenue. Just drive people away.

That is a shame, John. I despise anything that goes from affordable to elitist. And not just because I have a modest income and a strong tendency to be frugal. I despise it because it excludes people…. $20 a night if you don’t have a senior pass? So that’s $40 for a weekend for younger people. And there are a lot of retired people who cannot afford $70 a week.

Hi, Krystina! I think of you often, hoping all is well… I usually think of you when I see baby/toddler stuff in my Amazon orders reports. Hmm… I wonder if this is Krystina spoiling her granddaughter . . . . 🙂

Thanks Barbara! I read every RVSue post but I have been sooo busy it is hard to reply. I am spending a lot of time with Nora (my 9 month old granddaughter). I cannot get enough of her. Smiles and giggles ALL the time. I am in love!!!

Las Vegas Bay Campground looks amazing. I’m looking forward to hearing more about your stay here. Poverty Flats? Well, it looks like an economical means to an end. It’s good to know such options are out there. Everything in its own place and time, right?

Interesting. We were on I-40 this weekend, between Little Rock and Memphis. We had a conversation about truck traffic. Basically, we were saying that with so much truck traffic, there’s NO WAY the economy could be hurting these days. They were thick as thieves.

Closest to the top? Guess I am #5—or #6 by the time I post. Glad you finally put down for the night. AZ is getting snow in the north country and rain and cool here in Mesa. Sure is refreshing after the hot summer but also takes some getting used to. Hope you have good travels…..

There’s nothing “poverty” about Poverty Flats. At least it didn’t look like it as we went past. There are some expensive motorhomes parked there. I’m guessing the name came from people who live in traditional homes and see fulltime RVers as homeless transients… I’m guessing, don’t know really. Maybe tongue-in-cheek because it’s free camping?

It’s only about three miles from there to Angel of Fire State Park. Many people prefer to camp on the mesa than in the state park campground.

I’m wondering if you meant “Valley of Fire” State Park? I see you said “Angel of Fire” here and in the post (orange lettering in post) and was going to mention it. Not that it’s a big issue, but I know you like to make it easy for interested folks to follow along.

Was fun to read about the second part of Virgin River Gorge 🙂

The first time I drove through it was the opposite way, and if possible, it’s even more dramatic because one is just driving along those endless flats on I-15, and then suddenly there is this vertical “door” into… the canyon. Wow!

Interesting. I’ll have to look it up. Oh, by the way, I love your writing style (” . . . Suddenly the gorge ejects us and we fly out onto a broad, flat expanse of desert for miles and miles all around.”). I always actually feel I’m there.

Hey Miss Sue! The Recreation Campground looks nice and Miss B seems to be checking it out for you. While you were telling about the drive it was as if we were all driving it too.
The scenery pics are interesting, coming from the Utah pics to the Vegas pics there is quite a bit of difference. When you are traveling what is the average you like to drive in a day or is it just whatever you feel like driving? You are so good at finding a campsite, take care and travel safe.

To answer your question, yes, it’s whatever I feel like and what I feel like is usually 2 hours or less. That’s not always possible to move from one good camp to another good camp, but many times it is!

Your description of coming down out of the Virgin River Gorge brings back memories. I worked at the north rim of the Grand Canyon for a few years and had a friend that lived in Mesquite, and I always loved driving through the gorge. I read that there was road construction through the gorge. Has that been completed?

Welcome to my blog! I assume you are new readers. Most folks who have been with us for a while know that I discourage drop in visitors to the point that I might not answer the door. I’m trying to keep my vagabond life as normal as possible.

I’m going to sound even more persnickety with this reply… I limit email exchanges to only a few people in my life. One of the reasons for that is to prevent conversations developing that would involve me answering questions that other readers of my blog could benefit from. It’s part of my efforts to create a community here of people sharing and helping each other. You have become part of this community! 🙂

Another reason to ask here is the responses of fellow blogorinos are often better — more helpful, more knowledgeable, and more thorough — than mine. So please feel welcome to ask questions, even if they seem specific to your situation/rig/whatever.

Sometimes Sue is out of a reception area or, maybe she’s walking the pups or driving or etc. Anyway, on occasion if we blogorinos feel we can, we fill in, sort of. Anyway, all that to say why I’m responding at the mo’. t

I think rather than e-mail, Sue would prefer if folks ask questions right here in the comments section. Then too, you may get bonus input from other folks here.

OK, so now that I had my silly post I have yet more questions.
As I understand it you make your bed on the passenger side of the BLT and use the driver side for the plastic storage containers. So my questions are how wide is the bed that you use? Do you ever wish it was a tad bigger especially since you have to share it with a couple of adorable roommates? Do you still use the original cushions from Casita? or did you get something custom? And last, do you use some system to strap down the storage containers when you are traveling?

Our bed is on the sink side of the BLT and the storage drawers are on the fridge side, the same side as the door. When traveling I put the storage drawers on the floor. Since the floor is only about 2 feet wide between fiberglass “channels” running fore and aft, and since they lock together (bottoms to tops), it isn’t necessary to tie them down. I usually stack them 2 drawers high or I put a few on the bed with the comforter holding them in place. Quick and easy.

Do I wish my bed were a tad bigger? In the early days when I first converted from having a bigger bed across the back, it felt too small. It’s only about 26 inches wide. Fortunately I’m a side sleeper which gives Reggie room to curl up beside me (He starts out at the foot of the bed in his “spot” which is a folded quilt, and, like the baby he still is, in the middle of the night he whimpers to come into my arms). Bridget stretches out between the wall and my legs/feet.

I’m still sleeping on the original Casita cushions. It would be nice to have a bigger bed, not so nice to have a bigger trailer. We sleep well and we’re happy the way it is.

Sounds like you like your bed as is, given the givens. I, too, happen to have a 26″ wide bed in my rig. It can be made larger (by either removing the back and/or sliding it out), but since I’ve been sleeping on narrow bunks for years (boat, etc.), it’s fine for me and then I don’t have to convert/de-convert anything. I call it efficient (not lazy) 😉

Anyway, reason I started to type this is that there is one thing I wouldn’t be without in the easy comfort department. It started one time when I got back from boating, and had given my bed away before I left rather than store it. So I was sleeping on the floor for awhile (in a house). I had one of those self-inflating camping pads (Thermarest made the originals; now because of changes they made that I don’t prefer, I use the REI branded 2.5″ one), so I put that on the floor. Dang if it wasn’t *super* comfortable.

Fast forward to a bunk again (some years ago) and although I like firm, it was a bit too firm. Tossed the sleeping pad on top and it was perfect. I’ve never had another bed without that sleeping pad on top. It self inflates, but you generally add a puff or two to top it off, and this also allows complete customization over the softness/firmness. They wear like nails, give you a place to sleep comfortably just in case you end up somewhere else (heaven forbid), and make a spare bed (just by putting it on the floor or ground) (you know, for non-curmugeons, who may have guests ;))

Just thought I’d mention it for you, or anyone else who might wish their RV bed was a tad more comfortable, and/or would like an easy way to store a camping mattress or guest bed.

The typical one is ~25″ x 77″ or so, which fits my rig’s couch/bed perfectly. I have a 2.5″ thick REI one, but there are variations – wider, thicker, longer, etc.

I have taken to opening the valve on long western trips (then close it again at destination). I bet it would be fine without (since I’ve forgotten a few times and all is well), but nothing like starting out at sea level and then climbing to 8,000′ only to have a malevolently bulging mattress that looks ready to explode 😀

They “self inflate” because they have foam inside that “sucks” the air in. The shell is super tough (they sell smaller versions as outdoor sit pads for sitting on rocks, etc.).

I always thought it would be nice (especially on cold nights) to have my pup picturesquely posed at the foot of the bed; but although he was very affectionate during the day, he always preferred to quietly curl up on his own bed at night. One big bonus though: He was a late sleeper! How did I ever luck out like that (and how on earth would I find another one – I can just picture it when you call about a rescue: “Fine, fine, that all sounds great. But tell me, how late does he/she like to sleep?” Hee.

I’m very intrigued! I detect the cushions we sleep on aren’t as cushy as they once were. From your description I assume I wouldn’t have a concern about the crew poking holes in it. I’m going to look to see what Amazon has first as I’m rarely near a REI store.

Right now Reggie is going nuts for his morning walk… Gotta’ go…. Thank you for all this info.

Funny about wanting a pup that sleeps late… I bet that would be the first time a rescue org heard that one!

They are really tough. Like place them on rocks and then sleep on them tough. That said, I have mine under a sheet and a spare blanket (that doubles as a mattress pad) which almost makes it a non-issue. Nothing like what we grew up knowing as “air mattresses.”

I’ll see if I can find something similar on Amazon.

BTW, a bit more back story:

Thermarest is the PNW company that (as far as I know) first made these. I had them from way back, and they were super long lasting, company great, all good. Originally they were all thin backpacking ones, but they then branched out and made thicker ones (“Camp Rest”). Perfect! Until I loaned mine to someone and didn’t get it back (ahem).

So a couple years ago I bought the new version. Luxury Map or some name like that. Only… it crackled every time I rolled over! I contacted the company. Yes, they had decided to make it an ounce lighter, so to get the R-value back, they had to put some crackly thing inside. “But you get used to it,” he said. Erm no, I don’t “get used to it,” I return it! The really dumb thing is this wasn’t one of their backpacking ones, but a heavy “car camping” one. So who cares about an ounce of weight?

That’s when I went to the REI branded ones. I don’t think the valves are quite as good, and I have had to exchange two for new ones (they happily do it). But, I do use them 365 days per year, and this is over a period of a few years. They don’t crackle though! Another friend also switched (another RV-er). Too bad as Thermarest is a good company with great (when non crackling) products.

One thing to look for is that at least one side is not slippery nylon. The REI ones are textured on one side.

I do understand your wanting to buy one in a place you frequent. Okay, off to Amazon…

Okay, I haven’t used one of these, but a reviewer who has had a Thermarest speaks favorably of both. The “long” size is around 25″ x 77″ x 2″. They also have thicker ones that are 30″ wide for those with “huge” beds 😀

The one I have is 25″ x 77″ x 2.5″ so this is in the ballpark.

They are less expensive than either the REI ones or (even moreso) the Thermarest. I guess value depends on how long they last. At any rate, if one searches Amazon for “ALPS Mountaineering Comfort Series Air Pad” they appear.

The Comfort Series does have a non slippery surface.

If someone does have to have an REI one, they do ship free over $50. OTOH feel free to delete this last sentence if it’s not appropriate.

I can’t guarantee everyone will like them of course; but I could sleep on a bed of nails if I had the self-inflating sleeping pad to put on top of them 😀 It self-inflates about 90% of the way, then you can just put in a few puffs by mouth to tailor it to desired firmness.

OMG – Pen, I have a couple of those inflatable cushions! I thought I’d just put them in the “Cuttin’ the Cord” garage sale. Now I’m thinking that I need to keep at least one.
My rig has sofa bed but I really prefer the over head bunk (C class). At least, I think I do.
I’ve only been on a few test runs to prepare for launch day. The bunk has the original 4 inch deep cushion and I resigned myself to just having to deal with the firmness.
It’s just me and my 2 dog (little guys) team. One of the inflatables up there would be just the ticket.
Brilliant!!

Sue, in regards to the REI pad. They have EXCELLENT customer service. I’ll bet if you call them to order and explain your situation you can specify USPS and have it sent general delivery to where ever you want.

Thank you both Sue and Pen for your insight. And the really cool news is that when I first “converted” from backpacking to car camping a couple of years ago one of my first purchases was the 3.5″ REI pad. So, nice to know that they work so well in a RV environment.

Nice to know that a 26″ bed works well for you. I have been looking at 17′ Bigfoot Gaucho’s that have the bed/couch. I like the idea of the couch but not too hot on the idea of converting every day. Maybe I can just leave it up all the time.

That’s what I do. In my previous rig I had to mod the couch slightly. In “normal” position the seat cushion was only 22″ wide. For me that’s not even wide enough for a nap! What I did was make it so I could slide the seat cushion part a bit further out (leaving the back where it was), so then I had a 25″ bed on the seat part (just right for my REI pad :D). I actually found that I just left it that way all the time as I tend to sit “long wise” on the couch during the day anyway, and it worked fine for that.

I made a similar mod in my current rig, although the seat wasn’t so narrow to begin with. I actually prefer to leave the back in place for sleeping. Yes, it’s narrower, but on the other hand I don’t have to move anything (or trip over a huge couch back in the night), and I have a good “lean into” on the one side vs. a bare wall.

‘Course if you have a Casita, moving the back cushion is no big deal (they are light), so you’ll probably be good with no mods. And the walls are cozy 🙂 I just love the Liberty layout as it’s most like a boat 🙂

PS: Totally agreed on REI. They do rock! And yes, I have contacted them by phone to explain about shipping, and they have happily complied with my specified address, told me ahead of time which service they would use, etc.

The prices vary, depending on brand, model, width, and thickness. I think the one I posted the search terms for on Amazon was around $60 (ALPS Mountaineering brand). If it’s as good a quality as the others, that’s a good buy. Also, if one is testing the waters, maybe best to start out with (presuming it is good).

The REI ones are around $90-$100 as I recall (depending on width and thickness). I’ve been using one of their 25″ x 77″ x 2.5″ ones for around four years now, every night. I did have a valve failure, and they cheerfully handed me a new pad.

Thermarest is the first name in these things, and have a long history. Their “deluxe” pads range from I think around $120 to probably $200 for the “mattress in a pad” version. I haven’t kept up on their prices since I went to the REI ones when Thermarest went to the “crackly” liner (no, I don’t want to get used to it!). Other than that, I was happy with them even though they were expensive, as they made a great product over a period of many many years. Now I’m happiest with the REI 2.5″ one (and I like them as a company and their service), but I have not tried the ALPS one that is available on Amazon so I can’t compare (however reviewers on Amazon do compare, with favorable notes, so you may want to search the ALPS comfort pad on Amazon and read the reviews).

I had a 30″ x 80″ version of one of these pads for awhile, but it was just “too much sleeping pad” for me. Too wide, too long, etc. But if you had a 30″ wide bunk then it might be great.

Sue,
WOW! Huge visual contrast between Poverty rv sites and the Las Vegas Bay Campground. A real life rags-to-riches story, rv-style.
Next thing we know, you’ll be seeing Britney Spears doing her Vegas show 🙂
Did RV Sue and crew go Up-town on us? Not Sue, not a chance!
So WHERE is the real-RVSue? What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas 🙂

It must seem weird to most folks that I can be settled on the edge of Las Vegas and I haven’t any interest at all in going to a show or gambling or eating in a casino restaurant, etc. I haven’t driven down “the strip” and probably never will. I enjoy other stuff way more than that!

As for the celebrities, I see enough of them cluttering up the page when I’m trying to find real news amid their mess. I wouldn’t cross the street to see a celebrity.

Hi Sue,,,, went to bed early since I had a neighbor over yesterday
to cut down some big oaks that died several years ago and needed
bringing down….woke up at 1:30am and find I missed your post…
grrrrrrrr…….
you sure have a way with words…..you paint a very nice picture of
your travels….keep up the good work!
chuck

Thank you, RVsue, and all you blogorinos who responded to Budd’s passing in the previous post. I was deeply touched by your responses. The more I follow this blog the more I understand how so many of you who choose this lifestyle are like family. God bless and safe travels to all.

God bless you, too, David. I’m glad that you’ve felt a touch from the warmth of this family caring for you as you cope with the loss of having Budd beside you as you travel.I hope and pray that you are as well as one can be at such a time and stay in touch on here.

Just because we soon moved onto another post, I wanted you to know I’m still thinking good thoughts for you. You must be missing Budd so much. Maybe the blogorino support can help in some small way. At least you are not alone in that so many of us here understand how important the furry family members are.

Love Bridget under the palm trees. Looks like another beautiful area. I’ve got some business to attend to this morning, then I’m hoping to spend another afternoon walking in this luxury of sunshine and warmth for early November in Upstate NY.

Gosh,Sue,I think you’re at the campground that was Reggie’s first home with you and Bridget. If so, it must hold memories so different from what today is like with you three being together. I wonder if it seems familiar to them,too.Though each of you were feeling your own reactions to the changes seven months ago you still walked around there,saw,smelled and felt it. Is the serendipity of the meadow rejuvenation why you’re there or had you intended to visit that place again? Enjoy walking along the lovely roads where you are. I’ve enjoyed this one down memory lane.

It occurs to me that you may have wanted what I mentioned to be a surprise part of what “to be continued” holds in your next post.Gosh,I’m sorry and hope I didn’t ruin that for you if that’s true. Feel free to delete these two comments from me if you see them early enough for most readers not to have picked up on that connection yet.

No problem, weather! When you see “to be continued” it means I ran out of steam for writing, the post is becoming too long, or a certain someone has been demanding attention and will not be denied! I expected several readers would connect this campground with those days in March when we found Reg.

I don’t think the crew remembers this campground because we are camped at the opposite end and it looks quite different here. Of course, I don’t really know what goes on in their heads!

Yes, our lives have changed dramatically these past 7 months. 🙂

Re the “meadow rejuventation” (which, BTW, should read meadow restoration… I fixed it. I couldn’t think of the word!) ….. We had never been to Stewart Point. I was curious and hoping to find a new boondock.

Funny,I’d first typed restoration and corrected myself,thinking “What a good vocabulary whoever wrote the sign has.” Your way is more accurate because though fresh growth will come, it will be different in proportion and it’s original natural patterns, it won’t be the same even after being allowed to recover from people’s effect on it.

Poor or confusing signage is a big peeve of mine. Especially driving the rig with towed. They have one job….. The gorge looks like a pretty drive. Isn’t this where Reggie joined the crew, or did I remember wrong? Enjoy the campground ?

One variant I kept seeing on 395 had me puzzling. On side roads leading to NSF campgrounds (but miles away yet) a sign would say, IIRC, “Camp in open campgrounds only.”

Okay, but the campgrounds were all closed (this was in September, glorious weather in the 70’s and 80’s still). I get that the sign means I can’t camp in a CLOSED campground, but does it also mean I can’t boondock (presuming there is no other reason it would not be allowed – wrong land owner, too close to campground, etc.)?

I think it could be read either way. I can also think of ways to word it that would be clear. How about “No camping except in open campgrounds.” or, depending on what they actually meant, “No camping in closed campgrounds.”

Oh well, at least I have someone here sharing a pet peeve. That makes it more fun somehow.

If the sign said, “Camp in campgrounds only” I would interpret that to mean, no boondocking when campgrounds are open so that everyone is forced to pay and more money is collected. However, that still leaves the question… Can one camp in the campground when it is officially closed (no reservations, water turned off, etc.)?

What you describe is baffling. Next time you come across that, maybe you could call the NFS office for that area and get it clarified for all of us. Of course, I didn’t call about the sign confusion I ran across…. oh well….

I’ll have to see if I took a photo of one. I often take photos of “funny” signs. I should call, as I saw the same ones last year and wondered then, too! ‘course what I actually did is just go somewhere else. But I’d like to know.

Another one on this trip:

No Open Fires
No Drinking Water

(“But I’m thirsty!” “No, son, put that bottled water down – we aren’t allowed to drink water here.”)

Hi Sue\love your new home! It looks like paradise. I was reading the state information articles about camping at Lake Mead. It says that it costs $10 a night with it being $5 with the senior pass. Then it says effective Jan 1 2016 rates will be $20 a night and $10 with the senior pass. Is this pretty much everywhere rates are doubling? Yikes! Patti in Co

I have no way of knowing if rates are doubling “pretty much everywhere.” Maybe other readers know more about that. Fees are bound to go up following budget cutbacks as well as after upgraded or additional amenities and other “improvements.”

Anyone planning on retiring to full-time in a few years or more should, of course, include increases in their projected budgets.

Sue, I just want to thank you for writing this blog. I found you when I was looking for women boondockers and I got hooked. You are a very articulate, engaging and fun writer. Your descriptions make the reader feel like they are riding along. A great talent. When I hit the road, I hope to start a blog to keep in touch with my many friends who are intrigued with the idea that I would strike out alone at my age (69). I say, “Seize the moment, Girl!” You’ve done that, and you share your journey with us in a unique and personal way. You may not like to engage in person, but you do a great job online. Thanks! Keep up the good work!

Again, thank you for another informative post. BTW since becoming a blogorino I’ve been buying a lot more rotisserie chickens myself ha! Of course it seems like my little chi’s inhale most of them. Re the snow in Az Flagstaff received about 8 inches.We are about 70 miles east from there. No snow yet but down right cold. Take care.

You’re welcome. Las Vegas area isn’t as cold as the weather widget in the sidebar proclaims. They must take the readings in heavy shade. It’s early afternoon here and the sunshine is bright. I had to put on a lighter shirt in order to sit in the lounger and read. Cool at night…

Here I am going on about our warm sunshine while you’re in the cold. 🙂 Stay warm!

I’m helping a friend run an errand today (who has a toad but is not so fond of driving in certain situations). Friend needed to bring something in for repair, and the closest place was….. yep, Las Vegas. Not *just* Las Vegas, mind you, but a place in a mall right on “The Strip.” Are we having fun yet? Talk about a nightmare scenario. (As I watch the clock tick toward rush hour….) Oh well, to look on the bright side I’m not driving an RV or towing!

Made it back to my snug little rig (not having a toad, it’s not that often I get to come around the corner and see home, like you do :)). Ahhhhh!

What a contrast: Rush hour down the strip and around Las Vegas, then all of sudden, open, lovely timeless country – two-dimensional “cut out of black construction paper” hill profiles against the sunset glow – where I would hardly have blinked had a Conestoga gone by.

Just want to take a minute to thank you for your blog, and to tell you how much I enjoy it and how much pleasure your stories and photos give me. I love, love the west and southwest and you make me feel like I am right there! I am already planning my next Arizona and Utah trip, which will include many of your recent destinations. I especially enjoy the normal, mundane task descriptions, such as washing dishes at the picnic table, cleaning up the campgrounds, cleaning your floors on hands and knees, etc. Hope you wash your curtains soon and string them up outside to dry?! After reading several blogs this morning which have the writers taking a break or hanging it up permanently because of “haters”, which makes me sad and deprives us readers of so much pleasure, that I felt like it was important that I pass along my thanks for a job well done! Thanks, and happy trails!

It’s fun to realize there are people enjoying the west and southwest through my blog. Thanks for the compliments and the feedback which helps me decide what to include in my little reports on our days.

I can relate to the bloggers who have to get away for a while or who give up blogging altogether because of mean-spirited, small-minded, critical people who write un-helpful, hateful comments. Very often those comments come under a name that reveals nothing about the writer. It’s very telling that those who reveal the least about themselves are quick to criticize those who reveal a lot.

Gratitude is the foundation for happiness. You express gratitude to me for my blog which tells me you have the capacity for happiness. Trolls don’t have that. They’re pathetic really, spreading the unhappiness that dwells within them.

I’ve had my share of criticizers here. They soon learn it is unproductive to insult me or any of the blogorinos! Only kind people allowed here! 🙂

Speaking of my curtains… Yes, it’s time to wash them again, at least the ones over the bed. There’s water at this campground… Maybe you’ll read about me washing curtains soon. Ha!

Thanks, I am happy, and happily retired this May. Hubby retiring end of next year, and we’re looking forward to having more time to explore this beautiful, blessed country that God created for us! Keep on tantalizing with the beautiful pics so we can get even more ideas of places to visit! If you see a dumpy, grey-haired lady in that area next May, flashing a grin and a peace sign, that’ll be me, and I’ll respect your privacy, too. ?

Hey that’s no fair,, ya posted a # 2 in one day, I missed it and the post didn’t show up till today and we’re so close,, Dam MSN,,, Well any hoot,, We got up to a cold morn, I started up the heater to take th’ chill off while making me some coffee n’ a Blue Berry Bagel with Creamy Peanut butter, just one to start the day,,,,,,,,,, fed the girl and took my vitamins,,,,,, then out we went,, her to do her thing and me to get to work on the Fiber glassing’,,,,, the right side is done and the left side is done below the window,, on the morrow, I’ll do above the window and maybe finish the roof,,, so all four corners are done..,,,,, last week ,,, I moved the antenna ,( Wilson), to the right rear corner and made the into 2 parts which now the antenna comes in when we’re on th’ road,, thus easier to set and adjust to get a better signal and it works great too!,,,,,,, I’ve done the Road thru the Canyon on 15 a few times and I agree that it’s hard to drive and look too,,, I know that it’s sure windy going to and fourth thru there,,” it’s like a time warp, Scotty,,,,,,, Eye,,, Caption Kirk”,,,, going thru a short ,, of the Zone-na.,,, Between Mesquite and St. George ,, that is.,,,,,, Now it’s time to cook dinner, feed the Girl and go for our long walk from camp to Hwy 95 and back,, Piper likes that big walk,,,,,,, have a great week, end,,,, and stay warm n’ dry,,, and give them babies a hug from us ,, will ya? ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, rusty

Sorry,,, above,, that I made the antenna pole into 2 parts,, a bottom of metal tube and the top made of wood,, the top slides into the bottom then is risen to a good height and locked in place with a small Vice-grip,,,, should have takin’ my time to edit it first before postin’,,,,, me,,,,,,, thanks

I used to sleep on a narrow bunk, on a factory supplied cushion that was thin and uncomfortable. A 3 inch thick memory foam mattress topper made life so much better. They can be easily cut to size. I’ve used the REI pad as well, they’re both good.
Your comments about haters were very eloquent and true. The amount of trolling that happens on the internet is just disturbing.

So, I had my first breaking news story published yesterday and today I was certified for the publishing Knife team! I can start to make some money at last! Now I am working on getting certified in spin and logic, and eventually as a writer. Boy this is hard work! I am so excited I finally made it, at least in one skill area! Yay me!

Great info on the REI and Thermarest mattresses, by the way. I might need one. I have a twin bed, when I sleep in one, and it is rather firm. Maybe one of those would help.

Contrats Ginger!
So you had your first breaking news story published yesterday. What was your first story topic about? Did you seek out and find the story or research it on your own? You have the link to it, right? I would love to read it!
Well, that story is only one of many more to come but it is *Your First* 🙂 You’ll always remember it, that *high* in the clouds feeling. Did you get a press print of it? If not, do that and frame it. It is that special of a memory. Klemper kept many of his rough drafts and his press prints from his Gulf War One reporting days. Back then our son would take them to show-n-tell days at his grade school, lol. They were always a hit. After all these years we still have them.
Again, Congrats!

So happy and so proud of you Ginger. I know how hard you have worked for this and I just know it is the start of a wonderful chapter in your life. You have overcome so much the past couple of years and yet just keep rockin’ on. You continue to inspire myself and others.

Sue,
Maybe I missed something…I didn’t know you were having any recent trolling problems. Just the gawkers at your site. I have read most every comment, most are very nice and some are even mixed with humor so I was surprised to read about the sudden trolls statements. 🙁
Well, I see there is a new post up now 🙂 So I’ll go read it and see your fine photos and giggle at all the antics of the crew 🙂